2010 Honda Civic Hybrid Review

Overview

The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid is a sporty five-passenger sedan that offers a fresh look and advanced technological features. The Civic Hybrid employs the advanced Integrated Motor Assist IMA hybrid technology that achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 40/45 miles per gallon* and includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and an available leather-trimmed interior with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and heated side mirrors.

Power and performance

The 2010 Civic Hybrid is equipped with Honda?s hybrid technology Integrated Motor Assist System that consists of a 1.3-liter i-VTEC Inline four-cylinder gasoline engine. The engine is teamed with a lightweight, high-output 15 kilowatt electric motor to produce a combined 110 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque. A smooth continuously variable transmission is standard on this car. The Civic Hybrid qualifies as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle and delivers 40 mpg in city and up to 45 mpg on highways*.

Body and styling

The 2010 Civic Hybrid is built on a high-rigidity unit-body platform to deliver refined and sharp handling with its fully-independent McPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension. The 2010 Civic Hybrid comes with the handy average fuel consumption indicator; digital fuel-mileage indicators; low-fuel and low-oil pressure indicators; and Idle-stop functions. Standard convenience features include heated front seats with leather; heated side mirrors; leather-wrapped steering wheel; reclining front seatbacks; power windows with auto-up/down; two-tier instrument panel; cruise control; front beverage holders; center console with sliding armrest and storage compartment; map lights; 15-inch alloy wheels; all-season tires; 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers; speed-sensitive volume control; and MP3/auxiliary input jack.

Safety Features

The wide array of standard safety devices offered on the 2010 Civic Hybrid include emergency trunk release; side-impact door beams; anti-lock braking system with brake assist and electronic brake distribution; daytime running lights; tire pressure monitoring system; dual-stage dual-threshold front airbags; front side airbags with passenger-side occupant position detection system; side curtain airbags; outboard lower anchors and tethers for children; 3-point seatbelts at all seating positions; front seatbelts with automatic-tensioners and load limiters; vehicle stability assist with traction control; and active head restraints.